Definition: Understanding that spoken words are composed of tiny sound segments or phonemes
Sometimes we as educators put big names on really simple concepts and then toss the big names around so much that they lose meaning altogether. Such is the case with Phonemic Awareness. Most children come upon the process of understanding that spoken words are composed of tiny sound segments (letters, combinations of letters). Those children have usually had deep and meaningful experiences with oral and written language in print-rich homes and pre-schools. But what about those children who come to us that seemingly do NOT have this awareness?
The first problem is being able to trust an assessment that determines if a child understands that spoken words are composed of tiny sound segments. If it is determined that a child is lacking in phonemic awareness, it is then tempting to "intervene" with direct instruction. Here comes the rub - now you are trying to "teach" something that is very "natural" in its conception. Possible, you ask. Possible, but comes with risks. Too much phonemics awareness is TOO MUCH! How do we avoid the pitfalls that can come with teaching an otherwise natural process? First, let's get the facts.
Below are 9 websites that contain information about Phonemic Awareness. Work with your group or a partner to do the following:
1) MATERIALS MANAGER should print one graphic organizer for the group and one handout for each person in the group. These forms will be used to synthesize the following articles.
2) READER should read the article aloud to the group - skimming and scanning is allowed to move quickly through the information.
3) ALL group members should take notes on the provided handout.
4) SCRIBE should then compile ONE graphic organizer that represents consensus from the group.
5) PRESENTER will share the graphic organizer with the whole group as a comprehensive representation of the readings is compiled.
Readings/Research on Phonemic Awareness
GROUP 1: Partnership for Reading: http://www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/explore/phonemic.html
GROUP 2: Phonemic Awareness: What Does it Mean? A 2003 update: http://www.educationnews.org/phonemic_awareness_what_does_it_.htm
GROUP 3: The relationship between phonics and phonemic awareness: http://www.educationnews.org/relationship_between_phonics_and.htm
GROUP 4: False Claims About Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Skills vs. Whole Language, and Recreational Reading: http://nochildleft.com/2003/may03reading.html
GROUP 5: Phonemic/Phonic Awareness:
http://www.earlyliterature.ecsd.net/phonemic%20phonic%20awareness.htmGROUP 6: Research Summary - Early Literacy: http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/spedresearch/res0501/research-ukrainetz_article.html
GROUP 7: Phonemic Awareness: http://flare.ucf.edu/Research/Phonemic%20Awareness.pdf
GROUP 8: Is Phonemic Awareness a Prerequisite for Learning to Read? http://www.ballstickbird.com/articles/a19_phonicaware.html
GROUP 9: Focus on Advocacy: Alligators in the Sewers - Responding to the Mythology of Phonemic Awareness and Phonics: http://www.wsra.org/ford2.html
Related Readings and Resources:
IRA Position Statement:
Phonemic Awareness and the Teaching of Reading:
http://www.reading.org/resources/issues/positions_phonemic.html
DIBELS: http://dibels.uoregon.edu/measures/files/admin_and_scoring_6th_ed.pdf
Phonemic Awareness—Selected Research: http://www.ncrel.org/rf/sbrr/phores.htm
What does the Research Say: http://www.hpsd48.ab.ca/aisi/What%20Does%20the%20Research%20Say.htm
Phonemic Awareness in
Kindergarten and First Grade: http://journals.sped.org/EC/Archive_Articles/VOL.34NO.4MARCHAPRIL2002_TEC_Article_3.pdf
Phonemic Awareness Training: Both Boring and Ineffective? http://www.sdkrashen.com/articles/phonemic_awareness_training/all.html
Games
PBS Kids
K-3 Theme Units at Enchanted Learning
These themes have links to simple crafts, nursery rhymes, coloring book printouts, information, and/or quizzes based on the topic.
Rebus Rhymes
Enchanted Learning
Rebus Rhymes is designed for children who are learning how to read. Preschoolers and Kindergartners enjoy picking out the words they can read in their favorite nursery rhymes.
MoJo's Musical Mouseum
A place where you can find the lyrics to your favorite kids' songs, or send out
a request for a long lost song.
Judy and
David's On-Line Songbook
(also their fairytale/folktale tapes are fantastic ... another of Pam's MUST
HAVE'S!)
The Teacher's Guide: Children's Songs: http://www.theteachersguide.com/ChildrensSongs.htm
06/11/2005 11:52:18 PM -0500
